A new genus for two species of Japanese fireflies having aquatic larvae (Coleoptera, Lampyridae) and a definition of Luciola s. str.

2022/12/30 by Lesley Ballantyne, Itsuro Kawashima, Wan F. A. Jusoh +1 · 1 citation
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #bioluminescence and chemiluminescence research #Fossil Insects in Amber #Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior

paper · pdf · doi:10.5852/ejt.2022.855.2023

openalex publication_date 2022/12/30 · openalex created_date 2023/01/06 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05

Abstract

A new genus Nipponoluciola Ballantyne, Kawashima, Jusoh & Suzuki is proposed and described from males, females and larvae for two species of Japanese fireflies (Coleoptera, Lampyridae, Luciolinae) which have aquatic larvae. The famous Genji-botaru, the Genji firefly, formerly Luciola cruciata Motschulsky, 1854, now stands under Nipponoluciola cruciata (Motschulsky) gen. et. comb. nov. It is proposed that the original designation of this species from Java was in error and that the species is only known from Japan. The lesser known Kumejima-botaru, formerly Luciola owadai Satô & Kimura, 1994, now stands under Nipponoluciola owadai (Satô & Kimura) gen. et comb. nov. A neotype for Luciola cruciata is designated. Keys to adult males and larvae of Luciolinae genera with aquatic larvae are given. An overview of the status of the genus Luciola s. str. is given. Supplementary file addresses 1. Mitogenome analyses of the Luciolinae; 2. List of species of Luciola s. str.; 3. List of Japanese Luciolinae; 4. The identity of Luciola lateralis Motschulsky.

Citations

• Sex ratios in the Japanese firefly, Luciola cruciata (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) at emergence
• The ecological impact of an introduced population on a native population in the firefly Luciola cruciata (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)
• The Luciolinae of S. E. Asia and the Australopacific region: a revisionary checklist (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) including description of three new genera and 13 new species
• The origin of photic behavior and the evolution of sexual communication in fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

Cited by

• Nipponoluciola cruciata [wikipedia]

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